High-tech
log handling
Innovative portal crane concept
for a modern sawmill for logs with small diameters.
New log handling concept saves energy and space.
At the Wunsiedel site, Gelo Timber GmbH operates one of Europe’s most modern small‑diameter log sawmills. The plant combines state‑of‑the‑art sawing technology with a consistently sustainable energy concept based entirely on renewable energies.
Every day, the company processes around 1,400 cubic metres of small‑diameter logs from certified sustainable forestry. For the complete log handling – from log sorting to sawmill infeed – Gelo Timber relied on an integrated overall solution from HOLTEC.
Task
For the newly constructed sawmill, a high‑performance log handling system was required – one capable of meeting both the demanding throughput requirements and the spatially restricted conditions at the site.
The installation had to be designed for an annual cutting capacity of around 350,000 cubic metres in two‑shift operation. This involved efficiently processing small‑diameter logs with top diameters ranging from 8 to 25 centimetres and lengths of 2.5 to 5.3 metres. In total, more than 18 million linear metres of logs must be transported across the system each year.
Alongside performance, sustainability also played a central role. The objective was to create an energy‑efficient logistics system with minimal space requirements and the lowest possible wear.
Solution
HOLTEC developed an innovative log‑handling concept together with Gelo Timber, the core of which is an electrically powered portal crane. This system enables particularly space‑saving and energy‑efficient log logistics. The electric portal crane reduces emissions, prevents tyre wear and eliminates the need for complex sealing of the log yard surfaces.
The logs are loaded on a log deck with integrated load separation to ensure precise log accounting. A HOLTEC step feeder separates the logs, achieving capacities of up to 30 logs per minute. The logs are then accelerated by a LogRunner with V‑rollerway for subsequent debarking.
After Valon‑Kone debarker, follows the metal detector and then precise measurement using a Microtec 3D scanner. Unlike in many sawmills, sorting at Gelo Timber does not take place by diameter but by cutting pattern – ensuring that only optimally pre‑sorted logs enter the sawing process.
Sorting is carried out on a chain conveyor with a total of 40 boxes, designed as space‑saving concrete overrun boxes. Due to the restricted space on site, the portal crane handles both log storage and sawline infeed.
HOLTEC also supplied the sawmill infeed system. After separation via another chainless step feeder, the logs are conveyed by a LogRunner to the turning station. A turntable ensures that all logs enter the sawline top‑end first. An integrated buffer system and HOLTEC’s GapControl system guarantee continuous and precisely timed feeding.
This concept resulted in a state‑of‑the‑art log‑handling system that combines performance, energy efficiency and space efficiency to optimal effect. The installation reached its full performance immediately after commissioning – an outcome regarded by both Gelo Timber and HOLTEC as a major success of their partnership.
"We chose the world market leader when selecting our equipment supplier.“
Wolf Christian Küspert
General Manager Gelo Holzwerke
+ 350000
solid m³/ year
in two-shift operation
+ 8
cm
min. top diameter
+ 18
million
linear metres of logs per year
Layout
3D visualisation of the sawmill infeed with the turntable that rotates logs by 180 degrees, in order to transfer them top-end first to the sawline at a throughput of 40 pieces per minute.
